The pungi, also called the been, or bin is a wind instrument played by snake charmers in India. The pungi is similar to the Chinese Hulusi but has only two reed pipes, known as the “jivala”. The pungi was improved to produce the Shehnai. The pungi originated in India and is still played by snake charmers in street performances. ShalinIndia’s pungis come in two varieties, one made of gourd, and the other made of coconut shell. Snake charmers generally use pungis made of gourd. However, this is very delicate and risks breaking at the joints with the flute like pipe. Pungis made of gourd often produce better quality sound than the one made with coconut shell. Pungis made with coconut shell are stronger and last longer. However, they produce inferior quality sound and are used only by the hobbyists.
NB: This is a folk music instrument and is handcrafted by the artisans of village India. The folk music instruments are usually meant for sale in the rural local markets. The artisans use very simple and age old tools to make folk music instruments. Almost all folk music instruments therefore lack the finesse that we often see in classical instruments.
$ 39.99
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
 Total disaster – twice, By
Verified Purchase(What’s this?)
This review is from: Pungi Snake Charmers Flute Like Indian Music Instrument
First one: only the drone reedpipe played… melody reedpipe gave no sound. Returned for replacement.
Second one: mouthpiece fell off after one day. 0  Fun Gift,
Verified Purchase(What’s this?)
This review is from: Pungi Snake Charmers Flute Like Indian Music Instrument
I purchased this as a gift for a friend. I have not used it myself, but the recipient was very excited about it and has fun tinkering around with it. It makes a really fun and unique gift.
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
 Recommend thorough testing before using on snake, By
Ryan ”The Real Deal” (Minnesota) – See all my reviews
This review is from: Pungi Snake Charmers Flute Like Indian Music Instrument
As this was my first attempt at buying a snake charming flute, or “Pungi,” I didn’t really know what to expect, but I have to say I imagined something a little more spectacular, or at least functional. Upon first use it seemed promising but I soon discovered that this flute’s reliability was a serious question. After a week of light use this flute started to act up and more or less fall apart. Now I don’t know about you, but if this flute can’t handle simply being in my possession for a few days I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel safe when I have it with me out in the boonies. I mean, I don’t want to run the risk of being attacked by snakes and having a flute that doesn’t charm! Even using this flute for a snake charming street performance seems like a stretch to me. I don’t want to make a fool of myself trying to charm a cobra downtown with a “Pungi” that doesn’t work. This flute would probably serve me better by sitting on the shelf somewhere as decoration.
Maybe mine is a unique experience and your flute will prove flawless, but nevertheless I recommend very thorough testing of this flute before you let the lid off of the snake box; there’s no telling what can happen. In the end it’s not a terribly large amount of money, so if you think the gamble is worth it go for it, but I’d look for a more authentic source if your ambition is serious. 0 |
